Fasting

By Harvey Walks With Hawks Doyle, Jr.

"Fasting is a physical process for purification of the body. 

Fasting is also a spiritual process for the purification of the soul".

     Over time, toxins build up in the body as the result of the pollutants in the air we breathe, the chemicals, preservatives, and other things in the food chain, the water and others things that we consume in life. Often the body seeks to rid itself of those toxins and poisons from our tissues and organs that store these toxins when the body becomes saturated. This build up of chemical, poisons, pollutants and other things can cause our joints to become stiff, our organs to function incorrectly and also can cause arthritis and other diseases. I call this the slow death. This process begins early in life and we continue each day to destroy our bodies. We should be teaching our young people to adjust their eating habits and exercise daily to attain longevity in life. No we just keep giving them junk food and take them through the fast food drive through and don’t think of how much we are hurting our own children or grand children. Obesity is one of the fastest ways of killing yourself. If you start looking at your children, relatives, and neighbors you will see that we are a nation in distress. Obesity is killing America.

     Now let’s get back to the toxins. They enter the bloodstream, causing the body to experience a “low” or “down” cycle.

During this cycle, you may suffer from headaches, diarrhea, or depression. Fasting is the most effective way or safe way to help your body to detoxify itself and move through its low cycle with greater speed and fewer symptoms.  Most herbalists, homeopaths, Alternative Healing Specialists, and other Health Care Providers recommend fasting. Fasting gives the body the rest it needs to recover. Acute illness, colon disorders, allergies, and respiratory diseases are most responsive to fasting, while chronic degenerative diseases are the least responsive. When we relieve the body of the work of digesting foods, fasting permit’s the system to rid itself of toxins and making it more responsive to healing. It is merely directing your inner energy from food digestion to the other areas that need that energy to heal.

     Fasting is not only helpful in times of poor health or during the body’s low cycles.  By fasting regularly you give all of your organs a rest, and thus help reverse the aging process and live longer and a healthier life. Her is what happens to you body when you fast. The natural process of toxin excretion and the influx of new toxins are reduced.  His results in a decrease of total body toxicity. The energy is directed to other areas that need aid. Serum fats are lowered that helps thin the blood.  Tissue oxygenation is increased and white blood cells are moved better. Fat stored chemicals such as pesticides and drugs are released. Our bodies become more alert, and physical awareness rises. Your aura becomes more pronounced and the colors are more distinct. Fasting can help you heal quicker. cleanse your liver, kidneys, and colon; purify your blood; help you loose excess weight; clear the eyes and tongue; and cleanse your breath.

     It is recommended that you begin your fast for three days.  A three day fast helps the body rid itself of toxins and cleanses the blood. A five day fast begins the process of healing and rebuilding the immune system. A ten day fast can take care of many problems before they arise and help to fight off illness, including degenerative diseases that have become so common in our controlled chemical polluted environment.

     Certain precautions should be taken during fasting. First do not fast on water alone. It releases toxins too fast. It can cause headaches. Try a live-juice diet. This removes both toxins and promotes healing by supplying the body with nutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. If you fast for more than three days always consult a physician, health care provider, or herbalist. It took years to fill your body with toxins and it will take time to build it back up to its peak condition. 

     To start your diet eat only raw vegetables and fruits for three days. This will help you system prepare for the fast.

While fasting consume at least 8-ounce glasses of steam distilled water plus pure juices and up to 2 cups of herbal tea per day.  Dilute all the juices with water. Add one part water with three parts juice. Do not drink orange or tomato juice and try to avoid all juices that contain sweeteners or additives. The best juice is to use fresh lemon juice. Add the juice of one lemon to a cup of warm water. Fresh apple, beet, cabbage, carrot, celery, and grape juices are also good detoxifiers; raw cabbage juice is particularly good for ulcers, cancer and all colon problems. Just be sure to drink the cabbage juice as soon as it is prepared. If you let it sit in your frig then it looses its vitamin content.  Try to not combine fruit and vegetable juices.  Follow this juice-water-tea fast with a two day diet of raw fruits and vegetables. You can ruin the effort of the fast by eating cooked foods. After fasting do not large meals but try to east small meals more frequently. Herbal Teas can be consumed during the fast, once or twice per day or more if you wish. Try these following teas:
  It has been said that these herbs can help to remove toxins from your body.

Alfalfa:  Alkalizes and detoxifies the body.

Burdock:  Acts as an antioxidant. May help to protect against cancer. Aids elimination of excess fluid, uric acid, and toxins Purifies the blood, restores liver and gallbladder functions. Stimulates the digestive and immune system.

Chamomile:   Reduces inflammation. Stimulates the appetite, and aids digestion and sleep. Acts as a diuretic and nerve tonic helpful for colitis, diverticulosis, fever headaches and pain.  Caution do not use Chamomile on and ongoing basis as ragweed allergy may result. Avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed. This herb can be eliminated from the teas upon request.

Dandelion:  Cleanses the blood and liver, and increases bile production. Reduces serum cholesterol and uric levels, improves functioning of the kidneys, pancreas, spleen and stomach.

Milk Thistle:  Protects the liver from toxins and pollutants by preventing free radical damage and stimulates the production of new liver cells. Also protects the kidneys. Helps adrenal disorders, inflammatory bowel disorders, psoriasis, weakened immune system, and liver disorders. Has shown anticancer effects against prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Red Clover:  Fights infection, suppresses appetite, and purifies the blood and helps strengthen the immune system.

Rose Hips:  Good for bladder problems and all infections.  A good source of vitamin C.

Echinacea:   Fights inflammation, bacterial and viral infections. Stimulates certain white blood cells. Good for the immune system and the lymphatic system. Do not use Echinacea if you have any kind of autoimmune disorder.

Paul D’ Arco:  Fights bacterial and viral infection cleanses the blood.

Peppermint:  Increases stomach acidity and digestion. Also used as a flavoring for teas.

Recommendations:
     If you must have something to eat then eat a small piece of water melon. You can also try apple sauce, fresh not canned, made in a blender.  Leave the skin on the apple and do not cook them. The skin helps flush the colon and also acts as a fiber.  Take a fiber supplement on a daily basis before and after your fast.  Do not chew gum while on the fast. Saliva triggers the digestive process in the stomach and there is no food in the stomach therefore a problem can exist. If you have hypoglycemia, never fast without also using a protein supplement. Spirulina is a good choice. 

     If you are over sixty-five, or if you need daily supplements for another reason, continue taking your vitamins and mineral supplements during the fast.  When you are drinking fresh fruit juices decrease the supplements that you are taking.

    During the fast toxins are released from your body, you may experience fatigue, body odor,  dry scaly skin, skin eruptions; headaches; dizziness; irritability, anxiety, confusion, nausea, coughing, diarrhea; dark urine; dark, foul smelling stools; body aches, insomnia; sinus and bronchial mucus discharge; and/or visual or hearing problems. These symptoms are not serious and will pass quickly. During you fast get plenty of rest.  If necessary nap during the day to recharge your system.  During your fast you may experience a coated tongue and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Try to rinse your mouth with lemon juice.  If you are a denture wearer keep your dentures in hour mouth during fast to prevent gum shrinkage. While fasting continue normal daily routine, including moderate exercise.  Avoid strenuous exercise.

     Before, during and after your fast, use dry brush massages to help rid the skin of toxins and dead cells.  You skin is one of the largest organs of the body and can excrete and dissipate toxins very well. You experience a high feeling after the fast it is a good feeling; your body is telling you that the fast worked. As time continues your body will start building up toxins again and you could experience a low feeling again. This is your body telling you it is time to be cleansed again. When you dry brush always brush toward the heart. The heart is the organ that is spreading the blood throughout our body and this helps it to quickly spread the cleansed blood to parts of our body.  Brush from wrist to elbow, elbow to shoulder, ankles to knees, knees to hips, and so. Do not brush any areas that are broken with rash since you do not want this to spread to the blood system any quicker that possible.  Do not use this brushing technique on areas affected with acne, psoriasis, shingles, or eczema. Avoid areas that are heavily scarred and areas that have protruding varicose veins.  The Federal Drug Administration has not evaluated any of these statements.  None of the herbs or products is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any type of ailment or disease.  Consult your health care provider or physician before using alternative supplements or taking herbs or herbal teas.

~Walks With Hawks

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